We have a sound bite by Garner Ted Armstrong posted at the EA site entitled, “Bitterness and the Spirit of God” in which he makes a statement that may be shocking to some.  He says that a root of bitterness and the Spirit of God cannot exist in the same human body.  As bitterness and other similar elements of Satan begin to increase in the mind and heart of a firstfruit, the more the Spirit of God is quenched.  Notice this confirmed in the commentary:

[Quench not the Spirit] This language is taken from the way of putting out a fire, and the sense is, we are not to extinguish the influences of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Possibly there may be an allusion here to fire on an altar, which was to be kept constantly burning. This fire may have been regarded as emblematic of devotion, and as denoting that that devotion was never to become extinct. The Holy Spirit is the source of true devotion, and hence the enkindlings of piety [Religious devotion and reverence to God] in the heart, by the Spirit, are never to be quenched. Fire may be put out by pouring on water; or by covering it with any incombustible substance; or by neglecting to supply fuel. If it is to be made to burn, it must be nourished with proper care and attention. The Holy Spirit, in his influences on the soul, is here compared with fire that might be made to burn more intensely, or that might be extinguished.

~ Barnes

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. ~2 Tim 1:6

Quench not the Spirit, for it is this Spirit of grace and supplication that helpeth our infirmities, that assisteth us in our prayers and thanksgivings. Christians are said to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire. [It] worketh as fire, by enlightening, enlivening, and purifying the souls of men. We must be careful not to quench this holy fire. As fire is put out by withdrawing fuel, so we quench the Spirit if we do not stir up our spirits, and all that is within us, to comply with the motions [workings] of the [Holy] Spirit; and as fire is quenched by pouring water, or putting a great quantity of dirt upon it, so we must be careful not to quench the Holy Spirit by indulging carnal lusts and affections, or minding only earthly things.  ~ Matthew Henry

Lesson 30: Instructions – Quench not the Spirit
 
 1] Understand that elements of Satan and the Holy Spirit cannot exist in the same heart and mind.  Negative elements can quench the Holy Spirit.

 2] Stir up the Holy Spirit in you.  This is accomplished by Bible Study, prayer, meditation, invoking the power of the Holy Spirit in the form of Godly principles, and overcoming sin in an attitude of repentance.

3] Listen to and read the text of the sermon, "Moment of Judgment" and the end time prophecy regarding the 10 virgins of Matthew 25.

 4] Be careful not to quench the Holy Spirit by indulging carnal lusts and affections, or minding only earthly things.


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